Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Adaptation in War: A "Boots on Ground" Perspective on the Counter-IED Fight in Afghanistan

Open to the Public

Scholars have studied the sources of military innovation extensively. However, innovation's actual battlefield effects are under-examined. More often than not, an innovation's effect on the battlefield depends on how well the adversary adapts to it. As part of his ongoing research on the effects of military innovation on war outcomes, Matthew Tattar will discuss the efforts of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) to lead the U.S. adaptation against insurgents' innovative use of the IED in Afghanistan.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Date: Time: - Location: Littauer Building - Belfer Center Library, Room 369
Attacking the Network: A member of the Afghan Local Police interviews villagers in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, April 2013.

About

Scholars have studied the sources of military innovation extensively. However, innovation's actual battlefield effects are under-examined. More often than not, an innovation's effect on the battlefield depends on how well the adversary adapts to it. As part of his ongoing research on the effects of military innovation on war outcomes, Matthew Tattar will discuss the efforts of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) to lead the U.S. adaptation against insurgents' innovative use of the IED in Afghanistan. JIEDDO's goals are to "Attack the Network," "Defeat the Device," and "Train the Force." Based on his recent deployment to Afghanistan, the speaker will evaluate the organization's level of success in achieving those goals.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.